The 50/50 Blog

Note: Opinions expressed on the US Youth Soccer Blog (web log) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer). Links on this web log to articles do not necessarily imply agreement by the author or by US Youth Soccer with the contents of the articles. Links are provided to foster discussion of topics and issues. Readers should make their own evaluations of the contents of such articles.

Roster announced for USMNT Friendlies

It was a long time coming, but US Soccer finally released the US national team roster on Monday morning ahead of international friendlies this week against Ecuador (Friday, 7 pm ET, ESPN) and Honduras (Oct. 14, 8 pm ET, ESPN). Read more here.

Americans Abroad

Here is a link to see how all the Americans playing in other countries did this weekend. Read more here.

U.S. Under-17 National Team defeats Panama

Weaving through the defense and completing a run of 30 yards with a left-footed blast, Christian Pulisic scored his 12th goal of 2014 to give the USA a 1-0 win over Panama and a sweep of the Panama Under-17 Tournament in Panama City.

Henry

Gerard Houllier, the head of global soccer for Red Bull, told the website L'Equipe.fr that he isn't sure if Thierry Henry will retire after the 2014 MLS season but he won't re-sign with the New York Red Bulls with whom he is the final year of a five-year contract. Read more here.

Philadelphia Union miss big opportunity for three points

When the Philadelphia Union signed World Cup veteran Rais Mbolhi during the summer transfer window, they said that he had the ability to steal the team some wins to help them make the playoffs. Instead, it was a massive blunder from the Algerian goalkeeper that may end up costing Philly a spot in the postseason.

Joao Plata

When Joao Plata showed up at the 2011 Players Combine in South Florida he very quickly became one of most talked-about newcomers in Major League Soccer. Learn about his story and see how it may relate to you.

Sporting KC visits the White House

Great free kick

Brazilian Lucas Piazon scores a sensational free kick in the 89th minute of Eintracht Frankfurt's game against Hamburger SV to secure a 2-1 win.

Something not to do....

Don't knock the red card out of a referee's hand. Not a good idea.

John Oliver explains English football to Letterman

This is a great watch. We think soccer will catch on even more so than it already is here in America!

Who will Klinsmann choose?

The pair of international friendlies against Ecuador Oct. 10 and Honduras Oct. 14 should provide U.S. national team coachJurgen Klinsmann an opportunity to look at his full pool of talent for the first time since the World Cup. Read more here.